US Marine Regiment Tests JUMP 20-X and Switchblade for Long-Range Strike

Published Jul 27, 02:58 PM UTC

The U.S. Marine Corps' 2nd Marine Regiment conducted a training exercise in Twentynine Palms, California, testing a new long-range reconnaissance and strike capability. They paired AeroVironment's JUMP 20-X, a Group 3 medium-sized drone capable of 12-hour flight and 30-pound payload, with the Switchblade 300 Block 20 loitering munition. The Switchblade successfully struck a target over 15 miles away. This marks the first regimental-level assessment of Group 3 UAS capabilities, as regiments currently only field short-range Group 1 drones with 30-90 minute flight times. AeroVironment personnel flew the drone because Marines are not yet trained on Group 3 systems. The test comes alongside the Marine Corps' creation of a new small drone training unit, highlighting the growing role of drones in modern warfare.